SYRACUSE
NORTHEAST
COMMUNITY
CENTER
VOLUNTEER MANUAL
2014 - 2015
716 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13203
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
Table of Contents
Letter to our Volunteers…………………………………………………………………
3
About the Syracuse Northeast Community Center…………………………
4
About the Volunteer Manager……………….……………………….................
5
Volunteer Positions
Reception Area Volunteer……………………………………..............
7
Food Pantry Volunteer………………………………………………………
8
Teen Center Volunteer………………………………………………………
9
Youth After-School Program Volunteer……………………………..
10
Senior Program Volunteer…………………………………………………
11
To Do List and Proposal
Volunteer - Proposal of Ideas Form…………………………………..
13
Daily “TO DO” List for Volunteers…………………….………………..
14
Applications and Forms
Application for Volunteer Service………………………………………
16
Volunteer Release and Waiver Liability Form……………………. 17-18
Employee Authorization to Release Records Form……………
19
Volunteer Time Sheet……………………………………………………….
20
2
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
Hello,
A senior’s personal story over a game of cards; the laughter of a child playing games in the gym;
the restorative sigh of relief in a mother collecting emergency food for her family; the gift of new
household items for someone moving out of shelter and into their own place: these instances
illustrate the kind of volunteer experience you may share in at the neighborhood-based Syracuse
Northeast Community Center!
SNCC is actively looking for passionate people to volunteer in our diverse array of programs and
services. Any person who has special skills, knowledge, and time are welcome to explore what SNCC
offers area residents and find their best fit! It doesn’t matter if you have a lot of volunteer
experience or if this is your first dive into a nonprofit; there are unique and customized
opportunities for you to touch the lives of families in our neighborhood. We welcome volunteer
groups such as sororities, fraternities, clubs, or even just a group of friends to all come in together.
Volunteering can be a great experience and memory for all of you to share with each other as well
as those in our community!
The community center is surrounded by a diverse population, and similarly our staff and
community partners bring varied and vibrant experiences into the building. Your contribution, long
or short term, will help us fulfill our mission, which is to work with north/northeast residents to
provide services and programs that address their changing needs and interests. Your time will
touch the lives of seniors, children, and families. Your experiences will broaden our approach and
help strengthen the quality of services and programs we offer. Join us today!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sarah Walton, Deputy Director of Operations,
by phone at (315) 472-6343 ext. 230 or by email at [email protected].
Thank you for your consideration in becoming a volunteer at the Syracuse Northeast Community
Center!
Sincerely,
The Syracuse Northeast Community Center
716 Hawley Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13203
3
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
About the Syracuse Northeast
Community Center
Quality. Community. Collaboration. These values have been
the foundation and inspiration for the Syracuse Northeast
Community Center since its founding in 1978.
The goal of the Syracuse Northeast Community Center is to
work with area residents to provide services and programs
that address the changing needs and interests of the city’s
north and northeast neighborhoods. We work to improve
the quality of life for area residents and promote
neighborhood stability by:
 Providing programs and services that address the needs of
the neighborhood’s children, teens, seniors, and families
 Collaborating
with diverse resident groups and
community agencies with similar motivations
 Making the center a vibrant and vital focal point for
neighborhood activities
4
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
About the Volunteer Manager
Sarah Walton is the Deputy Director
of Operations for the Syracuse
Northeast Community Center. She
has been with SNCC since June 2013
and has loved seeing the programs
and services grow and develop over
the past year. Following the SNCC’s
mission, which is to work with area
residents to provide services and programs that address the
changing needs and interests of the city’s north and
northeast neighborhoods, Sarah has enjoyed working with
volunteers who enhance these goals and offer great skills in
our community. Our small size and dynamic team allows
SNCC to adapt to changing community needs quickly, but
can’t do it without partners and volunteers, like you.
Despite tighter budgets, SNCC is well-positioned to
not only weather financial challenges but to evolve into a
stronger, more efficient, and more effective organization.
By recruiting additional program volunteers, SNCC is able to
meet the neighborhood’s need for food and emergency
items while keeping costs low; youth are able to find
supportive mentors and friendships in the city; and staff is
able to strengthen programs and service delivery with more
hands and broader reach in the neighborhood. Without
volunteers like you at the center of these programs, none
of this would be possible today.
Sarah can be reached by email at [email protected]
5
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
6
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
Reception Area Volunteer
Since our founding in 1978, SNCC has worked to promote the stability
of the North and Northeast neighborhoods of Syracuse by offering
services that improve the quality of life for residents in need. SNCC
serves as a community anchor in this low-income and diverse section
of the city by offering a continuum of support services for individuals,
at all stages of life.
Volunteers in the main reception area of the Community Center will
support individuals when they first arrive on-site. Their tasks include
the following:
 Greet/assist visitors to their desired program
 Answer calls
 Assist clients with agency intake form
 Organize files or assist with data entry
Volunteers need to have familiarity with SNCC programming and
space usage. Training for the intake process will be provided by SNCC
staff. Bilingual skills highly preferred (Spanish, Arabic, and Nepali).
Hours: 9:00-3:30 PM
7
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
Food Pantry Volunteer
The food pantry falls under SNCC’s Family
Stabilization services, which help individuals
and families in immediate crises. Services in
the pantry provide a unique connection
between those who work and volunteer at
the SNCC with members from the
surrounding community.
Volunteers assisting in the SNCC food pantry
can participate in any of the following
activities:
 Unload/Stock food deliveries
(twice a month, as needed)
 Organize food on shelves
(inventory, as needed)
 Create recipe cards based on
foods available in pantry (ongoing)
 Clean the refrigerator and inside
cupboards
 Organize donation drives to collect
food/personal items
 Create referral manuals in order to
enhance support and donation to
the pantry
 Organizing files or assist with data
entry
 Assist clients with intake forms
Volunteers who have experience working with low-income populations are
preferred. Training for the intake process will be provided by SNCC staff.
Bilingual skills highly preferred (Spanish, Arabic, and Nepali).
Hours: 9:00-3:30 PM
8
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
Teen Center Volunteer
SNCC’s Teen Center provides a place where teens
(13-19 years old) can have a consistent, safe, stable,
and stimulating environment to go to after-school
hours.
 From 2:00-6:00pm: Catholic Charities runs an
integrated respite (developmentally disabled
youth) and teen program.
 From 6:00-8:00pm: Every weekday evening,
teens attend programs in the SNCC teen center or
Dr. Weeks gymnasium.
Volunteers assisting in the SNCC teen center can
participate in any of the following activities:
 Work with teens (13-19 years of age) in the Teen
Center (lead crafts, cooking, reading club, games,
etc.).
 Form a support group
 Provide speaking opportunities or lead activities
of interest.
Volunteers who have
experience working with
diverse youth populations
are preferred.
Volunteers who can
provide homework
tutoring, SAT prep, and/or
college application
assistance are also helpful.
Hours: 2:00-8:00 PM
9
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
Youth After-School Program
Volunteer
SNCC’s youth development programs provide children
with dynamic out-of-school programming, wherein
partnerships contribute meaningful and enriching
opportunities for neighborhood youth (6-12 years old).
From 4:00-6:00 every week day evening, youth attend
programs at SNCC and in collaboration with the Dr.
Weeks gymnasium.
Our out-of-school programming is designed to provide a
consistent, safe, stable, and stimulating environment for
at-risk children. This includes recreation and enrichment
through partnerships with the City’s Department of Parks
and Recreation, the Hawley Youth Organization, Girls Inc., and Open Hand
Theater for elementary and middle school students.
Volunteers assisting SNCC with youth programs can participate in any of
the following activities:
 Buddy up with children 6-12
years of age during program
 Participate in physical
activities (gym, exercise,
dance, etc.) to support ongoing
development
 Lead arts and crafts activities
 Assist children with
homework after 5:30 p.m.
Volunteers who have experience working with diverse youth populations
are preferred. Volunteers who can provide homework tutoring, one-onone program mentoring, and/or skill-building assistance are valuable
contributions.
Hours: 4:00-6:00 PM
10
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
Senior Program Volunteer
SNCC’s Senior Support Programs help seniors stay active
and live independently. SNCC has assisted seniors in
maintaining autonomous control over their lives by
providing direct services and social experiences in and
outside of our neighborhood-based Community Center for
over thirty-five years. These services include our:
 Senior Center, offering nutritious meals, socialization,
recreation, community field trips and exercise, including
water aerobics through our collaborative partnership with
Dr. Weeks Elementary School;
 Senior Transportation Program, offering free point-topoint transport for medical appointments, grocery
shopping, banking, etc.
 Senior-Youth Intergenerational Partnership, which uses
recreational and service opportunities to foster
relationships between older adults and the on-site
preschool
Volunteers assisting SNCC in the Senior Program can
participate in any of the above services areas through the
following activities:
 Engage in presentations or interesting lectures for senior participants
 Help with preparing food/meal distribution and clean up
 Lead art projects, crafts, or other activities seniors may enjoy
 Participate in the monthly book club
 Lead or help with physical
recreation, including swimming,
chair aerobics, or yoga
 Act as a volunteer driver on
Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays
 Organize field trips or
accompany seniors on weekly
trips (i.e. Farmer’s Market)
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00-1:00 *Volunteer Drivers needed for seniors
Tue/Thurs 9:30-1:30 *Volunteers needed for Senior Program at SNCC
11
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
TO DO LIST AND PROPOSAL
12
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
Volunteer – Proposal of Ideas
Is there something you always dreamt of doing for a nonprofit?
In this section you can write you own ideas of how you can help contribute to the center. Are you
good at advertising? Help us design flyers for upcoming events! Is accounting your expertise?
Help us out in that area! Have you always wanted to run a food drive to help fill our
community pantry? Let us know so we can help you get started! We would love to see what
you can do to make the SNCC a better place and how you can make the most out of your
volunteer experience with us! Please feel free to write down what you would like to do and
present it to the Volunteer Manager.
Name: __________________________________
Date: ___________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
Daily “TO DO” List for Volunteers
Have you completed all of your tasks for the day? Looking for more to do to help out during your
shift? Take a look at these suggestions…
DATE: _________________
____ Greet people in atrium area of Community Center
____ Answer phones
____ Update brochure racks
____ Clean stairways
____ Wipe down windows
____ Collect trash around SNCC entrance
____ Clean up magazines in Center sitting area
____ Clean up computer desktops
____ Collect trash in office bins
____ ________________________________________
____ ________________________________________
____ ________________________________________
____ ________________________________________
____ ________________________________________
____ ________________________________________
14
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
APPLICATION AND FORMS
15
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE
(PLEASE PRINT)
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date: ___________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________
LAST
FIRST
MIDDLE
Address: ________________________________________________________________
STREET
CITY
STATE
ZIP
Phone: __________________________________________________________________
Are you 18 years or older? __________________________________________________
Have you been convicted of a felony within the last 7 years? _______________________
POSITION DESIRED
Position: ___________________________________ Date you can start: ____/____/____
Are you employed or volunteering now? _______________________________________
If so may we inquire of your supervisor? _______________________________________
Ever worked or volunteered at the Center? _____________________________________
When? __________________________________________________________________
Referred by: _____________________________________________________________
EDUCATION NAME &
LOCATION
# OF YEARS
ATTENDED
DID YOU
GRADUATE?
SUJECT
STUDIED
High School
College
Other
(SPECIFY)
Please list any special skills you have to share (languages, certifications, etc.).
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
16
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability
This Release and Waiver of Liability (the "Release") is executed on _____ (day) ____ (month)_____ (year), in
favor of Syracuse Northeast Community Center, any other Syracuse Northeast Community Center affiliated
organizations, and its directors, officers, trustees, employees, volunteers and agents (collectively, "Syracuse
Northeast Community Center").
I, the Volunteer, desire to work as a volunteer for Syracuse Northeast Community Center and engage in the
activities related to being a volunteer ("Activities"). I understand that my Activities may include, but are not
limited to, the following: working in the Syracuse Northeast Community Center offices or programs; exposure
to confidential client data and records; interactions with Syracuse Northeast Community Center clients and
community members; traveling to and from worksites or cities; consuming food available or provided; and
rehab and construction-related activities.
I, the Volunteer, hereby freely, voluntarily and without duress execute this Release under the following
terms:
I. RELEASE AND WAIVER
I, the Volunteer do hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless Syracuse Northeast Community
Center and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims and demands of whatever kind or
nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from my Activities with Syracuse
Northeast Community Center.
I, the Volunteer, understand that my Activities may include work that may be hazardous to me. I understand
and acknowledge that this Release discharges Syracuse Northeast Community Center from any liability or
claim that I may have against Syracuse Northeast Community Center with respect to any bodily injury,
personal injury, illness, death or property damage that may result directly or indirectly from my Activities
with Syracuse
Northeast Community Center, whether caused by the negligence of Syracuse Northeast Community Center
or its officers, directors, employees, agents or otherwise.
II. MEDICAL TREATMENT
I, the Volunteer hereby release and forever discharge Habitat from any claim which arises or may hereafter
arise on account of any first aid, treatment or service rendered in connection with Syracuse Northeast
Community Center. If the Volunteer is less than 18 years of age (a "minor"), the Volunteer and the parents
having legal guardians of the Volunteer (the "Guardians") also hereby release and forever discharge Syracuse
Northeast Community Center from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of
the decision by any representative or agent of Syracuse Northeast Community Center regarding first aid,
treatment or service rendered in connection with Syracuse Northeast Community Center.
17
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
I also understand that Syracuse Northeast Community Center does not assume any responsibility for or
obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health or
disability insurance in the event of injury, illness, death or property damage. Each Volunteer is expected and
encouraged to obtain his or her own medical or health insurance coverage.
III. CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
I, the Volunteer, understand that during the entire time of my Activities with Syracuse Northeast Community
—and thereafter as long as necessary to assure confidentiality—any information shall be considered and
kept as the private and privileged records of Syracuse Northeast Community, including but not limited to:
financial data; personal files of staff, board members and volunteers; family information; personal
observations or history of Syracuse Northeast Community client’s and their families; and any information
obtained from professional sources. I will not release any such information to any person, firm, corporation,
or other entity, by written or verbal statements except upon direct written authority and legal authorization
of the Board of Directors of Syracuse Northeast Community.
IV. PHOTOGRAPHIC RELEASE
I, the Volunteer, do hereby grant and convey unto Syracuse Northeast Community Center all right title and
interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made during my Activities with
Syracuse Northeast Community Center.
Name of Volunteer (Please Print): ___________________________________________
Signature of Volunteer: ____________________________________ Date: ___/___/___
IMPORTANT: IF the volunteer is less than 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must also
sign this Release and Waiver of Liability.
Name of Parent/Guardian (Please Print): ______________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________ Date: ___/___/___
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION (required)
Address: ________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Phone: (H) _____________________________ (C) ______________________________
Email: _________________________________________ Date of Birth: ____/____/____
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Name (Please Print):______________________________ Relationship: ______________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
Phone: (H) _____________________________ (C) ______________________________
18
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
Branch Office Location (Office Use Only)
Tier Requirements (Office Use Only)
Employee Authorization to Release Records
I understand and agree that: The information supplied, was submitted by myself and all information is true
and correct, to the best of my knowledge. I understand that false or misleading information given in my
application and/or interview(s) will be considered as cause for possible dismissal and/or discharge. I also
understand that I am to abide by all rules and regulations of the company. The company has my authorization
to thoroughly investigate my work and personal history. I understand that the information supplied by me,
regarding my: Employment History, Education (including an authorization to release transcripts), Credit
History, Criminal History, Medical and Professional Licensing, Motor Vehicle Record(s), Residence History,
and References, will be utilized as part of the processing procedures. A background check will be conducted
to verify the veracity of the information submitted and will be utilized to develop information concerning my
character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living. I will hold no person liable for
giving or receiving information in this investigation. I hereby authorize SentryLink LLC, an agent of
______________________ to make a thorough check of my past Employment, Education, and activities. I
release from liability all persons, companies, and corporations supplying that information. I release and
indemnify _______________________ and SentryLink LLC against any
EMPLOYEE/APPLICANT
Last Name
First Name
Other Name(s):
______-______-______
Social Security #
Middle
Driver’s License #
______/______/______
Date of Birth
State
Residence(s) (Start with current)
Street Address
City/State
Zip
How Long?
Street Address
City/State
Zip
How Long?
Current Employer
Previous Employer
City/State/Zip
City/State/Zip
Name of School
Phone #
Position(s)
Phone #
City/State
Position(s)
Dates Attended
May We Contact?
o
Yes
o
No
Date of
Employment
Year Graduated
The following information is used for identification and statistical purposes. It is not used in any manner considered discriminatory
under EEOC guidelines.
Date of Birth _______/______/_______
Race ___________
Sex ______
Signature __________________________________
19
Telephone (________) ________-_________
Date Signed ___________________
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
Mon. – Fri. 9am-5pm
Office (315) 472-6343
Fax (315) 472-8332
Email [email protected]
VOLUNTEER TIME SHEET
Track your volunteer hours for yourself and/or your group by filling out this helpful sheet every
time you come in to volunteer with us!
Name/Group: _______________________________________________
Date:
Time In:
Time Out:
20
Hours: